President William Ruto has disclosed that he personally convinced KANU chairman Gideon Moi to withdraw from the senatorial race, saying the decision was motivated by a higher national purpose rather than political gain.
Speaking at Moi’s Kabarak home in Nakuru during a major political gathering, Ruto said he reached out to Moi in an effort to promote unity and strengthen Kenya’s development agenda.
“Kama iko maneno imetokea, blame it on me, mimi ndiye nilitafutana na Gideon,” Ruto told the crowd. “I told him, tafadhali kuja, because the destiny of Kenya is far greater than what I can get or what Gideon can get.”
The revelation came just a day after Moi failed to present his nomination papers to the IEBC in Kabarnet, leaving supporters puzzled about his next move.
Ruto explained that his outreach to Moi was part of a broader mission to bring together leaders from across the political spectrum. He noted that he had recently held talks with ODM leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to build consensus on national priorities.
“I have spoken to Raila Odinga and my predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. It’s time we move this country forward together,” he said.
The President cited achievements in health, housing, and agriculture but emphasized that true progress requires unity. “We must pull together to lift Kenya to the next level,” he said.
Ruto also urged KANU members to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that their party’s legacy and experience could contribute to the nation’s development.
The Kabarak meeting, attended by over 3,000 delegates, signaled a new chapter in Kenya’s political landscape, potentially bridging decades-old divisions between the Moi and Ruto political families.
“This is not about who wins or loses,” Ruto concluded. “It’s about Kenya — and building a successful, united nation.”
